Canada’s gross domestic product shrank for the first time in six months in August on mining maintenance shutdowns and lower factory production, signaling the expansion may remain subdued through the rest of the year.

Canada’s dollar climbed to the highest level since May versus its U.S. counterpart, trading stronger than parity for a ninth day, amid speculation North American economic growth will sustain the nation’s exports.

Just three months ago, emerging nations from Indonesia to Brazil were intervening in foreign exchange markets to make exports more competitive. Now they are selling dollars to stem currency declines and quell inflation.